Folding book-shaped box



Nov. 24, 1936. Q Q w so FOLDING BOOK-SHAPED BOX Filed July 13, 1935 2 Sheets-Sheet 1.

ATTORNEYS Patented Nov. 24, 1936 UNITED STATES FOLDING BOOK-SHAPED BOX Clarence C. Wilson, Bridgeport, Conn.. assignor to The Compressed Paper Box Corporation, Bridgeport, Conn., a corporation of Connecticut Application 'July 13, 1935, Serial No. 31,149

16 Claims.

This invention relates to new and useful improvements in receptacles and has particular relation to a folding book shaped box.

An object of the invention is to provide a box including a hinged cover and acurved or outwardly bowed back whereby the box has the appearance of a book.

Another object is to provide a folding book shaped box which can be knocked down and. shipped flat and then assembled on the job or at the place of use,.whereby a large number of the boxes when packed'for shipment may be all re-' ceived in a relatively small container.

A further object is to provide a box wherein practically all exposed surfaces comprise the finished side of the cardboard or the like of which the box is made.

An additional object is to provide a box having the characteristics stated and which may be made of but two' pieces of material and which is constructed in such a way it can largely be glued on automatic machines.

Other objects and advantages will become apparent from a consideration of the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein a satisfactory embodiment of the invention is shown. However, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to the details disclosed but includes all such variations and modifications asfall within the spirit of .the invention and the scope of the appended claims.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a perspective'view of the complete box;

Fig. 2 is an end elevational view of the box with the cover partially open;

Fig. 3 is a detail sectional view through an end wall of the box with the cover closed;

Fig. 4 is a detail sectional View through the front edge of the box showing the locking means partially released;

Fig. 5 is a perspective View showing the inner side of one end of the box prior to the folding into place of the locking end member;

Fig. 6 is a view similar to Fig. 5 but taken proved box includes an outer or cover member generally designated l0 and comprising a bottom H, a top l2 and a back or connecting portion l3."

Between the top and bottom of the outer member there is located a tray-like member generally designated l4 and which comprises the body of the box. Each of the outer members and the body members are preferably formed from. a single piece blanked to the desired shape and folded and glued or otherwise secured.

The outer member I0 is shown in flat condition in Fig. '7 and as there shown the bottom II at its front edge is provided with a flange or extension l5 and at its end edges is provided with shorter flanges l6 which in the blank occupy the broken line positions of Fig. 7. The flanges l6 are folded over onto the upper or inner surface of the bottom H as shown by the full lines in Fig. '7 it being understood that the finished surface of the material is at the lower or outer side thereof as viewed in Fig. '7. Next, the extension I5 is folded over onto the bottom, being folded as along the score line ll and partially overlaps the flanges l6 and is glued or otherwise secured to them as shown in Fig. 8.

At the end edges of the top l2 there are flanges l8 which in the blank as originally formed occupy the positions indicated by the broken lines but in the completed box are folded over against the inner surface of the top l2. There is an extension from the front edge of the top l2 and such extension includes portions I9, 20 and 2| defined by score or folding lines 22, 23 and 24 A tab 25 is, about three sides, cut from the portion [9 but is hingedly connected therewith along the line 26 and also may be scored at 21 to provide a line of bend for a purpose later to be described.

After the flanges l8 are folded against the inner face of the top l2 the extension portion I9 is folded over against such surface and overlaps the flanges l8 and is glued to the latter as shown in Fig. 8. The tab 25 is not glued to the top but is bent outwardly therefrom. This leaves the portions 20 and 2] freefor hinged movement relative to the top and to one another along the score lines 23 and 24.

Attention" is called to the fact that when the flanges l6 and I8 are folded over their finished surfaces-will be disposed outermost. This same is true of the relatively long flange or extension I5 and of the extension portion l9, and it also leaves the flange portions 20 and 2| with their finished surfaces disposed outermost.

The blank for forming the tray or body portion I4 is shown in flat condition in Fig. 9 and comprises a flat bottom portion 28 at its ends having extensions comprising portions 29, 30 and 3|' scored as at 32 for hinged or folding movement relative to the bottom 28, and also scored at 33 and 34 so the portions may be folded relatively. Front and rear walls 35 and 36 are integral with the bottom 28 and are adapted to be folded upwardly relative thereto along the score lines 31.

The front and rear walls are each provided with a flange 38 which in the original blank occupy the broken line positions of Fig. 9 and each flange at its ends is provided with tabs 39, and such flanges are folded over onto the upper or irmer surfaces of the front and rear walls and are glued thereto although the tabs 39 are not glued to such walls. It is pointed out that as viewed in Fig. 9 the finished surface of the cardboard or other material forming the blank for P the body of the box is the lower surface of the blank. Therefore, when the flanges 38 are glued in place their flnished surfaces are uppermost so that both the surfaces of the front and rear in its lower edge provided with a notch 43, and

position.

such extensions are also foldable relative to the front wall so as to extend substantially along the fold lines 32 when the front wall is in vertical Portions 29 of the extensions at the ends of the bottom 28 have their rear edges curved as at 44 for the purpose of providing a curved back to the completed box as will later be fully described. Further, the transverse ends of the portions 3| of said extensions may likewise be curved outwardly slightly as at 45.

After the flanges 38 have been bent over and glued to the inner faces of the front and rear walls 35 and 36 of the body l4 as shown in Fig. 9, the thus partly formed body while in flat condition has the underside .ofits bottom wall 28 glued to the upper side of the extension l5 of the cover section III which, as previously described, has already been glued to the flanges H5 at the ends of the bottom The bottom wall 28 of the body H is of such size as not to completely cover the extensions l5 and the flanges l6 so that the edge portions of such extension and flanges in the completed box will be exposed as shown in Figs. 1, 5, and 6, and the body M of the box will bear the same relation to the top and bottom thereof as the pages of a'book bear to its cover.

After the outer or cover member and body have been glued together as stated the box is flat or in the knockdown condition. In assembling or p tting' it into the box form the front and rear walls of the body are folded into positions extending upwardly from the bottom 28 thereof and then the extensions 40 and 42 of said front and rear walls are folded toward one another and interlocked by registering the notch 4| of an extension 40 wih the notch 43 of the extension to hold one another in place and also to hold the front and rear walls 25 and 38 in their proper relative positions.

Thereafter the top l2 and the extension portions 20 and 2| carried by thetop, but free for movement relative thereto may be swung upwardly and said extension portions are moved. into the partially completed body l4 the extension portion 20 forming a lining at the inner side of the rear wall 36 of the body and the extension portion 2| forming a lining or covering for the bottom of the body. It will be recalled that the upper surfaces of said extension portions are the finished surfaces of the portions.

Next the end extensions of the bottom wall 28 of the body are folded into place or up and over the interlocked extensions 4|] and 42 of the front and rear walls of the body. This is accomplished by folding/such end extensions upwardly on the fold or score lines 32 so as to have the extension portions 29 disposed at the outer sides of the wall extensions 40 and 42. Next, the end extensions are folded downwardly on the lines 33 to dispose their portions 38 against the inner sides of the interlocked extensions. In this way the interlocked extensions are completely enclosed and concealed and only the finished surface portions of the end extensions of the bottom 28 are exposed. Folding of the end extensions is then continued by folding them on the lines 34 disposing their portions 3| against the upper surface of the lining extension 2| of the top.

Or if preferred the end portions 29 and 30 may be folded over the interlocked extensions 40 and 42 before the extension 2| is placed in the box. If this is done then the extension 2| forming the inner bottom of the box rests on top of the flanges 3|.

Portions 3| when in placeas shown best in Figs. 6 and 11 form footlike portions and since their transverse edges are curved outwardly as at 45 a sort of wedging action is obtained. These outwardly curved portions increase the length of the foot-like portions slightly or to the extent that the portions 3| project beyond the transverse edges of the portions 30 which latter flt snugly between the flange 38 of the front wall of the box and the extension portion 2|) carried by the top. Therefore, when the foot-like portions 3| are forced into place they look the top extensions 20 and 2| in place.

The top is connected for hinge-like movement to and from closed position over the open upper side of the tray-like body l4, and as the top is swung to closed position the portion l3 of the outer member connecting the top |2 to the bottom II is brought against the curved edges 44 of the portions 29 of the end extensions of the bottom 28 of the body and such connecting portion I3 is forced into the curved condition shown in Figs. 1, 2, and 6. Therefore, when the box is closed it has the appearance of a closed book as best illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2.

The tab 25 being connected with the top at the fold line 28 is located at the outer side of the body 4 when the top is moved into position closing the open upper side of the body M. This is illustrated by Figs. 2 and 4. The'tab 25 being at the outer side of the box when the top is closed the free end portion 46 of said tab may be tucked in place between the bottom of the body 4 and the upper surface of the inwardly directed extension l5 of the outer or cover member of the box as shown in Figs. 1 and 4 whereby to lock the top i2 in closed position.

From the foregoing it will be seen that the present box comprises but two blanks and that the outer member or blank l0 comprising the cover portion of the box is constructed in such a way that the necessary gluing can be largely accomplished on automatic machines, and that from said cover portion the tab 25 is partially cut and forms a locking device to hold the box closed. When the blank for the outer member and the blank for the tray-like body M are joined as shown in Fig. 10 they form a complete unit of which the various parts or flanges are easily folded into the positions occupied by them in the complete box. It will also be appreciated that the two pieces secured together or assembled as in Fig. 10 may be shipped in flat condition so as to occupy a minimum of space while in transit and that they may be easily assembled on the job or at the place of use since further gluing of parts is unnecessary.

In the completed box the extension portion is together with the flanges 98 cover the inner surface of the top l2 so that the latter has both its inner and outer surfaces finished. The extension or flange l5 and the flanges l6 where they show beyond the edges of the body also present finished surfaces. The extension portions 28 and 2| provide finished exposed surfaces for the back and bottom of the tray-like body while the flange 38 of its front Wall provides a finished inner surface for such wall. Also, the extensions at the ends of the bottom 28 of the body when folded into place over the interlocked extensions of the front and rear wall of the body completely cover the said interlocked extensions and also cover the lugs 39 which are in the nature of reenforcements. Thus all exposed surfaces of the complete box are finished surfaces of the material of the box.

Having thus set forth the nature of my invention, what I claim is:'

1. In a foldable box, an outer member comprising a bottom, a. top, and a back portion connecting the bottom and the top, a tray-like body secured to said bottom adapted to be closed by said top, said body including end and side walls hinged so as to lie flat in substantially the plane of the bottom and be folded at substantially right angles thereto, and said end walls having curved projections extending from said body to be engaged by said back portion and cause the latter to curve outwardly in the manner of the back of a book when the box is closed.

2. In a foldable box, an outer member comprising a bottom, a top, and a back portion connecting the bottom and the top, a tray-like b y secured to said bottom and adapted to have i open upper side closed by said top, said body including end and side walls hinged to lie flat in substantially the plane of the bottom and be folded at substantially right angles thereto, and an extension carried by the top and providing a lining for the rear wall and the bottom of said .and said top swingable to and from a position closing the open upper side of said body.

4. In a box. an outer member comprising a bottom, a topiiicluding a lining, and a back portion connecting the top and bottom for relative swinging movement, a tray-like body secured to said bottom, said top swingable to and from a position closing the open upper side of said body, and a tab partially cut from the lining of the top and adapted to be passed down at the outer side of the body and tucked between the body and the bottom portion of the outer member and secure the top in closed position.

5. In a box, an outer member comprising a bottom, a top, and a back portion connecting the bottom and top for relative swinging movement, a tray-like body secured to said bottom, said top swingable to and from a position closing the open upper side of said body, and a tab carried by the top and adapted to be passed down at theouter side of the body and tucked between the body and the bottom portion of the outer member and secure the top in closed position.

6. In a foldable box, an outer member comprising a bottom, a top, and a back portion connecting the bottom and top for relative swinging movement, a tray-like body secured to said bottom, said top swingable to and from a position closing the open upper side of said body, said body comprising a bottom, front and rear walls hinged to said bottom, extensions on said walls and foldable toward one another to form end wall members and to hold said front and rear walls in position, and extensions on said bottom and foldable over said first extensions to hold them in place and complete the end walls of the body.

7. In a foldable box, an outer member comprising a bottom, a top, and a back portion connecting the bottom and the top, a tray-like body secured to said bottom and adapted to have its open upper side closed by said top, said body including end and side walls hinged so as to lie fiat in substantially the plane of the bottom and be folded at substantially right angles thereto, an extension carried by the top and providing a lining for the rear wall and the bottom of said body, and means on said body holding said extension in place against the bottom thereof.

8. In a box, an outer member comprising a bottom, a top, and a back portion connecting the bottom and the top, a tray-like body secured to said bottom and adapted to have its open upper side closed by said top, an extension carried by he top and providing a lining for the rear wall and the bottom of said body, extensions on the bottom of said body and folded into positions forming portions of the ends of the body, and foot-like pieces on said extensions and engaging the top carried extension and holding it in position against the bottom of the body.

9. In a foldable box, an outer member comprising a bottom, a top, and a back portion connecting the bottom and top for relative swinging movement, a tray-like body secured to said bottom. said top swingable to and from a position closing the open upper side of said body, said body comprising a bottom, front and rear walls hinged to said bottom, interlocked extensions on said walls and forming end wall portions, and extensions on said bottom and folded up and over said first extensions to hold them in place and complete the end walls of thebody.

10. In a box, an outer member comprising a bottom, a top, and aback portion connecting the bottom and the topja tray-like body secured to said bottom and adapted to have its open upper side closed by said top, an extension carried by the top and providing a lining for the rear' wall and the bottom of said body, said body comprising a bottom, front and rear walls hinged to said bottom, interlocked extensions on said walls and forming end wall portions, extensions on said bottom of said body and folded up and over said front and rear wall extensions to hold them in place and complete the end walls of the body, and foot-like pieces on the extensions of the bottom of the body and engaging the top carried extension and holding it in position against the bottom of the body.

11. In a box, a member having its finished surface disposed outwardly and comprising a bottom, atop of the size of said bottom, and a back portion connecting the bottom and top, said bottom having flanges at its front and end edges bent over and gluedtogether, flanges at the end edges of said top and bent over the same, an extension at the front edge of said top and of a length greater than the width of said top and bent over the latter and having a portion glued to said flanges, a tray-like body secured to the inner side of said bottom and located inwardly of the front and end edges thereof,'and said extension of the top disposed in and providing a lining for the rear wall and the bottom of said body.

12. In a box, a member having its finished surface disposed outwardly and comprising a bottom, a top of the size of said bottom, and a back portion connecting the bottom and top, said bottom having flanges atits front and end edges bent over and glued together, flanges at the end edges of said top and bent over the same, an .extension at the front edge of said top and of a length greater than the width of said top and bent over the latter and having a portion glued to said flanges, a tray-like body secured to the inner side of said bottom and located inwardly of the front and end edges thereof, said extension of the top disposed inand providing a lining for the rear wall and the bottom of said body, and a tab partially cut from the portion of the cover extension glued to the flanges and adapted to be passed down at the outer side of the body and tucked between the body and the bottom portion of the outer member and secure the cover in closed position.

13. In a box, a member having its flnished surface disposed outwardly and comprising a bottom, a top of the size of said bottom, and a back portion connecting the bottom and top, said bottom having flanges at its front and end edges bent over and glued together, flanges at the and edges of said top and bent over the same, an extension the front edge of said top and of a length greater than the width of said top and bent over the latter and having a portion glued to said flanges, a tray-like body secured to the inner side of said bottom and located inwardly cf the front and end edges thereof, said extension of the top disposed in and providing a lining for the rear wall and the bottom of said body, said body comprising a bottom and front and rear walls hinged to said bottom, interlocked extensions on said front and rear walls and forming end wall portions, and extensions on said bottom of the body and folded up and over said front and rear wall extensions to hold them in place and complete the end walls of the body.

14. In a box, a member having its flnished surface disposed outwardly and comprising a. bottom, a top of the size of said bottom, and a back portion connecting the bottom and top, said bottom having flanges at its front and end edges bent over and glued together, flanges at the end edges of said top and bent over the same, an extension at the front edge of said top and of a length greater. than the width of said top and bent over the latter and having a portion glued to said top flanges, a tray-like body secured to the inner side of said bottom and located inwardly of the front and end edges thereof, said extension of the top disposed in and providing a lining. for the rear wall and the bottom of said body, said body comprising a bottom and front and rear walls hinged to said bottom, interlocked extensions on said front and rear walls and forming end wall portions, extensions on said bottom of the body and folded up and over said front and rear wall extensions to hold them in place and complete the end walls of the body, and foot-like pieces on the extensions of. the bottom of the body and engaging the top carried extension and holding it in'position against the bottom of the body.

15. In a foldable box, an outer member comprising a bottom, atop, and aback portion connecting the bottom and the top, a tray-like body secured to said bottom and adapted to have its open upper side closed by said top, said body including a bottom and front, rear and end walls hinged to the bottom so as to lie flat substantially in the plane of the bottom and be folded at substantially right angles thereto, and curved extensions on said end walls and arranged to be engaged by said back portion and cause the latter to curve outwardly in the manner of the back of a book when the box is closed.

16. In a box, an outer member comprising a bottom, a top, and a back portion connecting the bottom and top for relative swinging movement, a tray-like body secured to said bottom, said top swingable to and from a position closing the open upper side of said body, said body comprising a bottom and front and rear walls hinged to said bottom, extensions on said walls and foldable toward one another to form end wall members, and to hold said front and rear walls in position, extensions on said bottom and foldable over said flrst extensions to hold them in place and complete the endwalls of the body, and curved projections on said bottom extensions and arranged to be engaged by said back portion of the outer member and cause said back portion to curve outwardly when the box is closed.

cLAREricE 0. Wilson. 

